Posts Tagged ‘Potential Patriots’

Saturday, October 25th, 2014

NEPD Staff Writer: Adam Bodgan

I will start off by saying Danny Shelton is not a flashy player. He will not wow you with body crushing hits, he won’t blow past offensive linemen with his speed, and he won’t be making jumping interceptions. What he will do is be a big body in the interior of the defensive line that will command two blockers and provide a sturdy run stopping presence with the ability to get after the quarterback as well. At 6’2″, 340 lbs, he is a very similar player to someone we have grown to love in New England: Vince Wilfork. He currently ranks 27th on Matt Miller’s Bleacher Report top 50 big board for the 2015 draft.

Wednesday, September 24th, 2014

NEPD Staff Writer: Adam Bogdan

Continuing my Potential Patriots series, I decided to look at Miami’s middle linebacker Denzel Perryman based on the feedback from readers.

The Patriots have certainly struggled this year against the run at times, and their linebacking corps may be one of the shallowest positions on the team. While Jerod Mayo and Jamie Collins have exceptional athleticism, and with Dont’a Hightower becoming a pass rusher, there lacks a physical presence in the middle of the defense that can stuff the run with ferocity and fearlessness. That is what Perryman can do.

Sunday, August 17th, 2014

Kurtis Drummond is a possible answer at safety for the Patriots. (USA Today Sports Images)

NEPD Staff Writer: Adam Bogdan

There are few remaining questions in the Patriots defensive backfield. Devin McCourty mans one of the safety positions, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner man the outsides, and Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard, and Logan Ryan fill in the holes.

But there is one spot that doesn’t appear to have a clear cut starter, and that is the second safety position. (more…)

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

The New England Patriots have a number of positions of need they should look to address — wide receiver, pass-rush defensive tackle, cornerback, coverage linebacker — and currently only five draft picks to work with to attempt to fill those needs.

The Patriots aren’t a team that will allow their draft strategy to be handicapped by needs, however, and among those needs, the only one where their need for a starter is desperate is at wide receiver. Therefore, while the Patriots should be expected or at least projected to use at least one of their early draft picks on a receiver, the draft board in New England could be wide open to talent at other positions if the Patriots believe in the value on the board.

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

Playing on a defense loaded with NFL talent can be very beneficial for a draft prospect, as the talent around him can increase his playmaking opportunities and mask his flaws. In Earl Okine’s case, however, the talent at Florida may have just masked his talent.

While fellow defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd is a potential top-10 overall draft pick, and a number of other Gators defenders including linebackers Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins and safeties Matt Elam and Josh Evans all look like sure draft choices, Okine is a long shot.

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

This has the possibility to be one of the biggest free agent signings that we have seen in the Bill Belichick-era with the New England Patriots. However, let me be clear: The chances currently are slime to none.